THE MERIT AWARD IS A HIGHLIGHT EVENT OF THE FASHION WEEK SCHEDULE AND ACTS AS A KEY DRAW FOR UK AND INTERNATIONAL PRESS AND BUYERS EACH SEASON. IT IS A VITAL PLATFORM FOR ELEVATING THE INTERNATIONAL CAREERS OF EMERGING DESIGNERS.

THE WINNER OF the FASHION SCOUT AW19 merit award IS TOLU COKER.

“Finding out I’d won the Merit Award was the perfect end to a fantastic and very busy 2018! It came as somewhat a surprise and it’s also a challenge, preparing for a debut show because I’m a one-woman band. But I’ve been ready for a new collection since graduation and I have new stories to tell, so while it's nerve racking, I’m very excited!

It’s such an honour and it’s come at such an important time, because storytelling is such an integral part of my brand and my artistry - I’m passionate not just about designing, but also about how I communicate my design and use my voice.

That freedom of expression requires financial and logistic support, so this definitely feels like a step in the next direction. I’m really looking forward to the mentorship, pr and business advice too, it’s such a necessary resource.”